Will U.S. Citizens Need a Visa to Visit Europe in 2021?

In 2016, the European Union was considering requiring visas from U.S. and Canadian travelers. Ultimately, though, lawmakers decided not to move forward with the measure at that time, and Americans (and no doubt, our northern neighbors) breathed a collective sigh of relief. But the good news didn't last for very long: Come January 1, 2021, all Americans traveling to a European Schengen-zone country will be required to register through the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), no matter how long you're visiting for.

So is this a visa?

Not according to the European Union. Here's what they say: "The ETIAS authorization is not a visa. Nationals of visa liberalization countries will continue to travel the EU without a visa but will simply be required to obtain a travel authorization via ETIAS prior to their travel... An ETIAS travel authorization does not reintroduce visa-like obligations. There is no need to go to a consulate to make an application, no biometric data is collected, and significantly less information is gathered than during a visa application procedure."

Ok, so how do I get the travel authorization?

Before you go canceling your 2021 road trip in Slovenia, know that ETIAS authorization isn't difficult to get—you'll just need a passport valid for three months beyond your period of intended stay, an email account, and a credit or debit card (it costs about $8 for all applicants between the ages of 18 and 70). To apply for a visa, travelers will have to complete the ETIAS registration form and provide their full name, date and place of birth, current address, plus passport and other nationality details. They'll also have to answer questions about drug use, terrorism, human trafficking, travel to conflict areas, criminal history, employment history, and past travel to Europe. If it sounds extensive, it is—sort of: Officials say it shouldn't take more than ten minutes to complete the online questionnaire.

What if I get denied?

European Union officials estimate that at least 95 percent of applicants will be approved within minutes, but should your application get refused, you'll have 96 hours to provide the additional documentation requested by officials. You also have a right to an appeal.

Right. So how far ahead of a trip do I need to apply?

Again, most people will get a near-immediate response and approval, but we still suggest filing for ETIAS approval at least 72 hours before a trip (though let's be real—we'll probably apply when we buy our plane ticket, just so it's all taken care of).

Do I need more than one approval if I'm visiting more than one country?

No. One covers all of the countries in the Schengen agreement.

Wait—what are the European countries in the Schengen zone, again?

There are currently 22 European Union members that form the Schengen area, which allows for free movement between borders (once you're in Sweden, say, you won't be required to show a visa to move from Stockholm to Rome). Those countries are: Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Greece, the Czech Republic, and Malta. The three "micro-states" included in the Schengen agreement are Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City. Plus, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland—though not members of the EU—are part of the Schengen agreement, which means you'll need the ETIAS authorization if you plan to visit any of these countries, too.

How long is it good for?

Once the application has been processed and confirmed, the permission to enter Europe will be valid for three consecutive years, meaning you can come in and out as many times as you want without reapplying, though you still won't be able to stay longer than 90 days consecutively.

Is the U.S. just being singled out?

Nope. An EU official told Traveler that "ETIAS will be a travel authorization for all travelers who travel visa-free to Schengen member states. Currently it is over 60 countries, including the U.S. [Note: The full list of countries can be found here.] The system is being now developed and is scheduled to be operational in early 2021."

Why is this happening now?

"Similar to other countries and regions in the world, Europe has recently decided to improve their security level to avoid any further problems with illegal migration and terrorism," notes the page on the new requirements. It's also worth noting that whole reciprocity thing: the U.S. ESTA system requires much of the same information from European travelers looking to head to North America (that clearance, though, is only good for two years). The ETIAS system has been kicked around for several years.

I want to travel to Europe this year. What are the rules?

Until 2021, Americans traveling to Europe for less than 90 days currently don't need a visa or won't be required to fill out any travel authorization forms. As always, visitors should check with a destination country to read up on any fine print.